Just a mention on the TV broadcast that Ryan Franklin is warming up in the bullpen seems to send my Twitter feed into a frenzy. Once he’s in the game, there are many dread-filled tweets with each batter he faces. But the facts speak for themselves: after last night, Franklin is now seven for seven in save opportunities. He’s second in the National League at the moment, tied with Francisco Cordero of the Reds and one behind Matt Capps of the Nationals.No position player or other pitcher is held under closer scrutiny than a closer, and no one else is blamed more when he doesn’t get his job done. I remember reading once that a closer needs to have a short memory. Maybe the same needs to hold true for fans, since many seem to hold grudges for an extremely long time when it comes to blowing games.
And that’s Franklin’s “sin” this season, and the reason for the doom-and-gloom tweets: what he did at the end of 2009. He had three blown saves in September, although he did end up as the winning pitcher on Sept. 19 against the Cubs. Then there’s October, game two of the division series against the Dodgers, when he blew the save and was the losing pitcher. Had Matt Holliday caught that infamous fly ball by James Loney, would Franklin have received praise for getting the job done? My guess is no.
Of course, Franklin was not stellar on opening day this year, which just fed the carryover panic from 2009. It was a not save situation when Franklin entered the game for the bottom of the ninth on April 5, since the Cardinals were leading 11-4 at the time. He allowed three hits and two runs (both scoring with two outs) to give him an 18.00 ERA to start the season. But, three weeks later, it’s down to 3.60.
Ryan Franklin is not the type of closer who will instill fear in batters when he comes into the game, because he’s not a strikeout pitcher. He’s not Mariano Rivera, he’s not Brian Wilson, he’s not Trevor Hoffman. (Although the Cardinals don’t seem to have any fear of the all-time saves leader.) And Monday night’s save was probably typical, with giving up two hits (although the hit by Matt Diaz, rolling along the third base line, was a fluke) yet getting a double play and another ground out. Job done, seventh consecutive save.
Is Franklin going to blow a game sometime? Chances are, yes. It’s not often a closer doesn’t at some point during the season, Brad Lidge in 2008 notwithstanding. And, if it happens, I’m sure I’ll read tweet after tweet about how everyone knew all along how terrible Franklin is. But why not forget about 2009 for now – everyone seems to have forgiven Matt Holliday for game 2 against the Dodgers, so why not Ryan Franklin?
I’m going to keep following the advice Erika gave last night in the form of a Twitter hashtag: #FaithInFranklin. Why not? He’s earned my support.
Photo: Yahoo! Sports
The problem with Ryan Franklin is that he isn't a shut-em-down strikeout pitcher. He pitches to contact, needs his defense behind him to work.
ReplyDeleteBut if he continues to pitch as he has lately, I think he deserves the slack you're asking we give him.
I haven't forgotten or forgiven Matt Holliday's "crotch botch".
ReplyDeleteI should have elaborated on my Holliday comment; so far this season, every time a ball is hit to him, I hold my breath until I see it in his glove. Nothing against Matt, but in my opinion, his D could use some improvement.
ReplyDeleteSo, Michael, how long until you cut him some slack -- 10 consecutive saves? 15? And will that only last until he blows one? (Picking on you, 'cause I know I can!)
ReplyDeleteSusan, had to laugh at "crotch botch."
I agree Chris, even though Ryan Franklin isn't like Mariano Rivera, that comes to the plate and everyone knows he's throwing that circle change and no one can touch it, Franklin deserves our support. I'm joining in the hashtag #FaithInFranklin
ReplyDeleteSusan, I don't know if you have ever been in the outfield, but that was a tricky ball that you don't know to approach it wrist up or wrist down, it was ONE mistake, just that it was on a pretty important moment. Remember baseball is the sport where if you fail 7 out of 10 times you are a great player, let it sliiiiiiiiide
Hey, Chris, I think the failing 7 out of 10 times only pertains to hitting. An outfielder who misses 70% of balls hit to him wouldn't be on a pro team...dang, I did forget about Chris Duncan...Don't get me wrong, I was as excited as anyone when the Cards signed Matt, I just can't get that awful image out of my memory.
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